The Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs are set to face off in a regular-season game at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday. Both teams are coming off wins in their previous games on Friday, with the Blazers defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 122-109 and the Spurs taking down the Indiana Pacers 123-113.
Earlier in the season, these two teams met in an NBA Cup group stage game where the Spurs emerged victorious with a 115-102 win. Despite missing Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox’s impressive 37-point performance led the Spurs to victory over the Blazers, who saw Deni Avdija also score 37 points in the game.
Currently, the Blazers hold the last play-in spot in the Western Conference with a 15-20 record, while the Spurs are in second place with a strong 25-9 record after winning their last two games.
In terms of starting lineups, the Blazers are expected to stick with the same lineup from their game against the Pelicans. Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija will be in the backcourt, Kris Murray and Toumani Camara at the forwards, and Donovan Clingan at center. This lineup has shown promise with an offensive rating of 111.5 and a defensive rating of 114.5 in their time on the court together.
On the other hand, the Spurs’ starting lineup will depend on the availability of Victor Wembanyama, who is listed as questionable with a knee injury. With Devin Vassell also out, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle are expected to start in the backcourt, Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie at forward, and Luke Kornet at center.
In terms of injuries, the Blazers have Jerami Grant listed as questionable with left Achilles tendonitis, while Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle, and Scoot Henderson are ruled out. The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama listed as questionable with a knee injury and Devin Vassell out with a left adductor strain.
As the Blazers and Spurs prepare to face off once again, the stage is set for an exciting matchup between these two Western Conference teams. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling game at the Frost Bank Center.
